If Ashley doesn't sack Pardew, it's not because he's his own man, it's because he senses there's still enough Pardew supporters to allow him to keep him on. The Pardew apologists are effectively Ashley's shield.
if he keeps pardew on i'm deeply intrigued to see what happens in the first home game, i.e. will the majority of fans go from scaring the shithouse into his dugout at the very sight of him to mute apathy again? if you were one of the ones booing and jeering him what could make you suddenly not care enough, some signings and a world cup?
we'd get what we deserve if it happens, important for me he's fucking hounded the moment a ball is kicked next season if he's still around